A village pub which has been closed for five years will finally reopen its doors this weekend.

The St John Inn on the Rame Peninsula sat derelict until Rob and Gill Berry saw the pub and decided to take it on.

Having toyed with the idea of owning the pub, their offer was accepted in March and since they took possession in June, it’s been full steam ahead in getting the pub up to scratch for its grand opening this Bank Holiday weekend.

Rob and Gill Berry, the new owners of the pub

Rob, who works on the Torpoint Ferry and Gill, a clinical lead for a private healthcare company, plan to keep their day jobs and run the pub alongside with the help of staff.

Gill, 53, who is relocating from Quethiock with husband Rob, 55, said: “The help we’ve had from all of the locals has been brilliant.

“The pub was awful – there was a dent in the roof at the back so water had been coming in, a whole bathroom was missing and the fryers were left on the side in the kitchen. But as soon as we got here locals came with chainsaws to help us with gardening, and 12 people came to help paint the pub. The community spirit has been really fantastic.

The St John Inn in 2010

“After five years we don’t know how busy it’s going to be.

“It’s a proper traditional pub, we want people to come out here to socialise.”

The pub has undergone a drastic refurbishment with the carpet having being torn out and replaced with red tiles – the pub is now home to the couples’ many antiques and black oak furniture.

Inside the newly renovated St John Inn

Rob and Gill Berry have bought to St John Inn and this weekend it will be reopening after five years

For now, the pub will only serve drinks but a food menu is on the cards for the future.

The bar has been stocked with a range of lagers, local ciders and wine. The real ales on offer will change weekly too.

The pub will be officially open on Saturday August 26 from 12pm, with local caterers Cornish Pod providing food.

The pub will stay open for a week before opening only on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to gauge demand.